An industrialist and Chief Executive Officer of BFIG Nigeria Limited, Mietamuno Jaja, has called on the multinational oil companies operating in the country to live up to their social responsibilities by promoting peace and development in their host communities.
He pointed out that multinational companies owe it as a responsibility to play active role in the promotion of security in their host communities in particular, and the country in general.
Jaja, who gave the charge while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt, weekend, noted that Nigeria was a blessed country, endowed with varieties of natural resources and had made name in world history.
According to him, companies should gear towards improving on their community relations policies, and implement the various agreements reached with their host communities, apart from their business concerns.
“With the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, I know that there may be some levels of benefits that the host communities might enjoy, but that will not be enough.
“The multinationals themselves should, on their part, improve on their community relations, and take issues of development in those areas more seriously”, he said.
The Lagos based industrialist urged the IOCs to ensure that youths empowerment was also given a priority so as to avert unnecessary conflict that may arise. as a result of insensitivity to their yearnings.
The business executive also stressed the need for security not to be left in the hands of government alone, but should be addressed through concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
Jaja regretted that security issues in the country were left mostly in the hands of government alone, urging corporate organisations and individuals to assist the government in tackling insecurity in the country.
According to him, no company can operate or do business in an atmosphere of insecurity.

By: Corlins Walter